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As Aaron Burr was running for office, Alexander Hamilton was running against him. Hamilton attacked Burr's character to make people not want to vote for him. To save his reputation, Burr challenged Hamilton to a duel.

Challenge accepted, Burr.

Hamilton, I challenge you to a duel! July 11th at 7am.

I am Hamilton's second, Nathaniel Pendleton.

Notice how Hamilton's gun is pointed upward.

I am a doctor that Hamilton brought, Dr. David Hosack

7am, July 11, 1804 At the battle grounds by Weehawken, New Jersey for the duel.

I am Burr's second, William P. Van Ness.

Hamilton misses Burr, some people say it was clear Hamilton fired above Burr on purpose. Burr's bullet hits Hamilton in the stomach, and Hamilton dies.

After the duel, Burr was charged with murder in two states, but still served as Vice President. The next year he came up with an idea to take over the land from the Louisiana Purchase and turn it in to his own empire. When that didn't work he tried taking other land in Spanish America. General Wilkinson then accused him of treason. Burr was arrested in 1807 for treason. When he was in trial, he was freed from his criminal charges, and he went to Europe, but later in life returned to New York with his murder charges forgotten.

I think the duel should have been resolved before anyone actually fired. Most duels were resolved before anyone shot, and a duel rarely ended in death. I think it was obvious Hamilton did not want to shoot Burr, since he shot above him. However, I don't think Burr should have ever challenged Hamilton to a duel. Duels were illegal in most places, and since Hamilton actually died, it makes it even worse.